The daughter of a respectable self-made businessman, the middle-aged Eliot was cast into social exile when she began a scandalous liaison with married writer and scientist George Henry Lewes. Only her burgeoning literary success allowed her to overcome society’s disapproval and eventually take her proper place at the heart of London’s literary elite. The territory of her novels encompassed the entire span of Victorian society.

Kathryn Hughes has wrought a balanced, sympathetic, and intensely engaging biography, the first to grapple equally with the personal dramas that shaped Eliot’s psyche and with her broader social and intellectual milieu. A lively portrait emerges of a woman and writer by turns ambitious and insecure, cerebral and earthy, provocative and conservative—contradictions which not only express the spirit of Eliot’s time, but speak eloquently to our own.

Download and start listening now!

2729

Quotes & Awards

“This work is intelligent, adept, and full of insight. [Wanda McCaddon’s] narration is clear and precise; a welcome addition to public libraries.”

“[Hughes] brings a sense of close familiarity with this private, inward woman…a refreshingly intimate portrait.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Hughes’ pungent account distinguishes itself by limning [Eliot’s] turbulent emotions with as much acuity as she does [Eliot’s] creative drive…She paints a vivid portrait of Victorian intellectual life and Eliot’s provocative role within it.”

Amazon.com

“[McCaddon’s] flawless reading is perfectly timed and modulated, and flows easily. Well researched, well read and very easy to listen to.”

About the Author

Kathryn Hughes is a lecturer in nineteenth-century English literature and history at several British universities and the author of one previous book, The Victorian Governess. She lives in London.

About the Narrator

Wanda McCaddon (a.k.a. Nadia May or Donada Peters) has narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, has earned numerous Earphones Awards, and was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.

[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.